Singapore is in the midst of a minor cocktail shakeup. Gone are the over-the-top (but not totally dialed-in) drinks. Step into one of newer bars in the downtown core and you might find a laksa-inspired savory cocktail—or a crisp gin martini. One of the key figures in this shift: Peter Chua, bartender in residence at the legendary 28 HongKong Street, who has been named Singapore’s best bartender several times over in both local and international beverage competitions. In other words, when it comes to shaking and stirring, you can trust what he has to say (and pour).

“We now have neighborhoods where there are five good bars on the same block! However, there are only two bars—Skinny’s Lounge and Employees Only Singapore—that have a last call that’s later than 28HKS. I find myself gravitating to both of those places.

“I usually have a shot of something at Skinny’s along with a La Paloma (tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda with a pinch of salt). At EOSG [Employees Only Singapore], my typical order is a couple of beers and a negroni or a daiquiri, followed by a cheeky shot of something. Many nights I tend to find my way back to 28HKS. Nothing beats the feeling of being home.”

Sugarhall:“Fancy a bar that plays Bob Marley x Wu Tang remixes and houses an impressive collection of rum/ron/rhum? Sugarhall is your place. Order a rum-based old fashioned made with whatever the bartender recommends.”

Oxwell & Co: “All of their cocktails are on tap so you never really have to wait for a drink. Get their version of a piña colada, which uses local pineapple-tart filling for added richness and serves it with caramelized coconut cream on top.”

“I am happy to make anything within my abilities as long as I am able to keep my guests happy. Honest! If they don’t have a specific preference, I reach for a nice tequila or mezcal as a starting point. I love turning people on to the beauty and sophistication of artisanal agave spirits and doing my part to rehabilitate the bad reputation tequila still has in this part of the world.”

“We’re hard at work on a new project," Chua says. "I’ll be running the bar program (along with Zac de Git) at the Crackerjack, an all-day dining and drinking spot opening this fall. We want to get away from the pretense and stuffiness associated with speakeasy-style bars and show folks you can have great food and drinks in a laidback, approachable venue without breaking the bank.

“We’re also working on a 10-seat pocket bar, Junior, where we will share stuff we love with a few folks at a time. The menu concept will change a few times per year, letting us take a deep dive into one area of interest at a time. The first concept, Norma, will explore traditional agave spirits. We’ve curated a world-class collection of tequila and mescal from traditional, independent producers across Mexico.”